Putin's controversial comments were seemingly directed at the US-led coalition, which has accused him of bombing rebels fighting President Bashar al-Assad's ailing regime as well as ISIS.

He also insisted tonight that his only aim in the region was to establish peace.

His comments came as his country came under fire from the US at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council today.

The US blasted Russia's military strikes in Syria, saying they were strengthening Islamic State militants, killing dozens of civilians, forcing tens of thousands more from their homes, and destroying schools and markets.

But Russia's Ministry of Defence has also today launched a sensational attack on the US, despite claims Russia has used cluster bombs in Syria as "absurd".

Moscow accused the US of not working out its aims in the war against ISIS, which might explain "why terrorists are comfortable" there a year after the US-led coalition started operations.

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FRIENDS: Putin and Assad met earlier this week

“Success in fighting terrorists cannot be reached if using some of them as a battering ram to overthrow disliked regimes”

Russian president Vladimir Putin

Speaking to the Valdal discussion forum, Putin said there could be no distinction between terrorists, and no militants in the region could be classed as "moderate".

His most explosive remarks were seemingly directed at Washington and London, though.

Putin said: “Success in fighting terrorists cannot be reached if using some of them as a battering ram to overthrow disliked regimes,"

"It's just an illusion that they can be dealt with later, removed from power and somehow negotiated with."

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A member of Free Syrian Army uses truck mounted gun as the FSA members advance to al-Bab town of Aleppo during the "Operation Euphrates Shield" in Aleppo.

The Russia chief also explained why his armed forces have not yet entered Iraq, which has also been besieged with ISIS fighters.

He said it was simply because Iraq had not asked Russia to intervene.

The UK and US have both urged for Assad to be removed as Syrian president, as well as voicing desires to overcome ISIS militants.

He also spoke of a whole "snarl" of terrorist groups in the region fighting against each other for "sources of income" and not for ideology.

Putin added that weapons provided to "moderate" opposition in the region had ended up in the hands of terrorists.

Some countries are playing a double game, the Russian president said, adding that while they fight against terrorism they also "place figures on the board" in their own interests.